North Haverhill, N.H. —
Ryland was born on July 21, 1929, in Woodsville, N.H. to Harold P. and Alice M. (Paul) Guay. On May 9, 1981, he married Lillian (Dodge) Hanson Spinney.
Ryland enlisted in the US Navy prior to the end of World War II and served during the Korean War. During his first Navy tour, he accompanied Admiral Byrd on an excursion to the Antarctic.
He worked as an electrician during his lifetime, as well as running his own business. In 1980, he went to work at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. From there he traveled to work at the Naval Air Station in Bermuda and at the US Naval Base in Guantanamo, Cuba and the US Submarine Base in Holy Loch, Scotland. Following these jobs, Ryland transferred to CRREL in Hanover, N.H. and he retired in August 1993.
Ryland was a life member of the VFW Post #816 of Littleton, N.H., Ross-Wood American Legion Post #20 of Woodsville and American Legion Post #68 of Littleton. He served as Commander of Post #20 and formed the first Sons of the American Legion at that Post. He was a member of the SAL under his father, Harold Guay. He belonged to the Tin Can Sailor’s Association, USS Pine Island (AV-12), USS Wedderburn (DD684), and the US Navy Memorial in Washington, DC. He was also a member of the Golden Dawn Lodge #66 F & AM of Littleton.
Ryland and Lillian enjoyed traveling, especially to ship reunions, meeting fellow shipmates and making new friends, along with visiting Prince Edward Island and traveling throughout the United States.
Ryland was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Alice Guay; sister Adele Hatch on May 11, 1999; brother Rodney Guay on Dec. 8, 2001; sister Adine Fortin on Jan. 21, 2005; and sister Annie Wilson Johnson on May 11, 2006.
Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Lillian Guay of North Haverhill; a daughter, Michele Jerkins and husband Curtis of Pelzer, S.C.; two grandchildren, Megan and Nathan; three step-children, Kim Blowey and husband Steve of Haverhill, N.H., Charles Hanson, Jr. and wife Melissa of North Woodstock, N.H., and Kathleen Spinney and Bob Estes of North Haverhill; six step-grandchildren, Amanda Riggie, David Riggie, Savannah Hanson, Corbin Avilla, Zack Blowey and Chris Blowey; and several step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be no calling hours.
Burial will be on Friday, May 13, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in the N.H. State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, N.H.
A celebration of Ryland’s life will be held in the near future.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Ryland’s family would like to thank the White River Junction VA Medical Center staff for the care given to Ryland, especially the doctors, nurses and staff members of 1 West.
For more information or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com.
Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville is in charge of arrangements.